Translating into “Poetry of the Sea,” Ikal del Mar is one of the more likely places to spot a vacationing celebrity or business tycoon. Far from pretentious, though, the resort strives to harmonize with nature rather than completely shut it out. The hotel prides itself on the fact that no trees were cut down during construction. At night, tiki torches line the paths from the rooms to the restaurant and along the beachfront. Though the service, amenities, and price clearly place it in the luxury category, there are no marble bathrooms or video check-in kiosks. Here luxury is defined by the privileged setting, simple indulgences, and personal service.
Poetry books top the carved-wood coffee table in the thatched palm pavilion at the hotel entrance that passes as the lobby, and the 30 guest rooms are housed in free-standing modernized versions of Mayan-style huts scattered along a winding sand trail that leads from the powdery white beach to the jungle. Rather than room numbers, each unit is assigned the name of a famous poet. The villas and furnishings are made from local stones and hardwoods. While the setting is exotic, don’t expect iguanas and hermit crabs to sneak in between the thatched twig walls like they surely must have done in the days of the Mayans, however.
Rooms are upgraded from the days of old with sealed walls, imported linens, private bathrooms, and—yes—even air-conditioning. Each villa also has a private terrace with splash pool and hammock.
The hotel beach is wide and cleaned daily. Guests relax under shady palapas, sipping tropical drinks and snacking on fresh ceviche. A long pier extends into the Caribbean, giving guests a shortcut to the good snorkeling spots. The pool and sundeck are just steps away. At meal times, the two-level gourmet restaurant serves a blend of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine dubbed “Mexiterranean.” There are also Asian-inspired selections and Mayan specialties. The wine list spans from French to Spanish to Italian.
The hotel spa is where the real pampering happens. It offers a steam room, Jacuzzi, Swiss showers, and several treatment rooms. A local Mayan shaman leads guests in spiritual healing sessions at the beachside stone sweat lodge, called a temazcal. Other services include massage, facials, body scrubs, and yoga lessons.
The hotel is located in Punta Bete, about 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen. For more information or to reserve a room, visit the Mayan Holiday Reservations Center.
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Riviera Maya Hotels, Tours & Activities, Airport Transfers.
